Owner identified after more than a dozen pit bulls seized from Hampton home

Hampton, Va. – Police have now identified the owner of at least 14 pit bulls seized yesterday from a home on Abbey Court.

The Hampton Police Division’s Animal Control Unit is investigating a complaint of alleged animal cruelty to canines on April 29, 2014.

At 1:11 p.m., Public Safety Communications received an anonymous tip through the non-emergency line in reference to the alleged neglect of multiple dogs at a home located in the 3700 block of Abbey Court.

Animal Control officers responded to the scene and made consensual contact with the owner. Animal Control officers inspected the premises and found multiple pit bulls living in conditions considered to be neglectful.

Fourteen pit bulls (adults and puppies) were seized from the property.

The canines will be transported to a local SPCA located in the 500 block of J Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, where they will be evaluated.

At this time in the investigation, there is no evidence to substantiate any dog fighting activity was taking place, police say.

Animal Control Officers have obtained 32 summonses for the owner, Vernon Alonzo Silver, a 48-year-old Hampton man who resides in the 3700 block of Abbey Court.

Anyone with information that will assist police is encouraged to contact the Hampton Police Division at 727-6111 or the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Tipsters can also send an anonymous tip via text message to the Crime Line by texting HAMPTONPDTIPS plus your tip” to 274637 (CRIMES). Crime Line callers remain anonymous and never appear in court. If a Crime Line call results in an arrest, the caller is eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.